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About Silk Road

'The Silk Road: Past, Present, Future' travels east to west along this ancient trade route, exploring how traditional culture, arts, and trade have developed in the 21st century. Beginning in China, and ending in northern Italy, the journey will focus on a different country each month. More about CNN's Special Reports Policy.

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China

CNN Silk Road takes you to China #CNNTravel

Our journey begins in China, exploring the ancient art of silk-making and its development today. We start from the mulberry tree orchards of Hangzhou province and then shift focus to China's new booming business, profiling the country's multimillion dollar internet company, Alibaba. Finally the team delves -- quite literally -- into the famous tomb of Tang Dynasty emperor Qin Shi Huangdi and his terracotta army of 2,000 warriors, speaking to the archaeologists using 21st century technology to uncover the secrets of this sophisticated civilization.

Kazakhstan

CNN Silk Road takes you to Kazakhstan #CNNTravel

We take a ride on Kazakhstan's trains, speaking to the operators investing $40 billion into the country's railways in the next few years. Hopping off at the capital Astana, we admire the city's futuristic architectural delights -- also soon to be home to central Asia's tallest skyscraper. Long gone are the camel caravans of centuries ago and where once the old Silk Road routes stood, the government now hopes to build a superhighway stretching over 5,000 miles -- cutting the time of trade shipments to Europe by more than half.

India

CNN Silk Road takes you to India #CNNTravel

Our journey continues to India, where we look at the psychedelic world of Indian truck art, here truckers use a kaleidoscope of colors, slogans, and intricately painted symbols that are as much about bling as shrewd business sense. And speaking of bling, we go behind the scenes at traditional Indian weddings and explore find out just how much gold is need for the 20 million weddings that take place each year.

Oman

CNN Silk Road takes you to Oman #CNNTravel

Our next destination is Oman, the strategically-positioned sultanate whose arid desert attracts ultra-marathon runner Dean Karnazes. He tells us how it feels to run 135 miles in 130F heat -- "like a devil holding a blowtorch in your face", to be precise. Cool off at the magical rainforest oasis that springs up in the sand, where thirsty camels sip from inviting green waters. Finally we trace the changing face of Omani travel, exploring the making of ancient wooden dhows before taking a tour at Oman Air -- the airline with sky-high ambitions.

UAE

CNN Silk Road takes you to UAE #CNNTravel

Our next destination is the UAE, where the seven united emirates have become a beacon for tourism and trade in the Middle East. We explore one of the country's more unusual ventures -- the production of camel milk for salty, creamy and lower fat ice cream. We then visited Dubai, one of the world's most glamorous cities, to steal style tips from the women leading its fashion pack. Dubai also boasts a booming art scene, which draws collectors from across the region to snap up future masterpieces.

Armenia

CNN Silk Road takes you to Armenia #CNNTravel

Our next destination is Armenia, a landlocked nation steeped in history and culture. We investigate the country's thriving technology sector, witnessing how its capital Yerevan is flourishing as a regional hub for digital innovation. We also explore the nation's rich tradition of carpet-weaving, discovering how a centuries-old craft turned into a multi-million dollar industry.

Georgia

CNN Silk Road takes you to Georgia #CNNTravel

We journey on to Georgia, a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia that is rapidly becoming a burgeoning holiday destination. First we visit Kakheti, the country's luscious wine-producing region to find out why so many consider Georgia to be the world's cradle of wine. Next we explore the fascinating reasons driving tourists to this Eurasian melting pot, from the eclectic capital of Tbilisi to the mysterious cave cities embedded high in Georgia's mountains.

Norway

CNN Silk Road takes you to Norway #CNNTravel

Venturing to the furthest reaches of the Silk Road, our journey continues to Scandinavia, where we reveal the Vikings' astonishing connections with the East. First we delve into history, using modern technology to explore the Vikings' incredible trading prowess and influence. Next we profile a true gem of this route; the 'Gold of the North' for which demand is higher than ever before. We leave Norway by quizzing World No. 1 chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen -- taking your questions to one of the world's greatest minds.

Denmark

CNN Silk Road takes you to Denmark #CNNTravel

We continue to Denmark, a Scandinavian sovereignty where natural beauty and innovation abounds. First we explore the country's thriving shipping sector, learning how the Vikings' seafaring skills have fathered a forward-thinking industry. Then we indulge in Denmark's wild beauty, looking at the country's most scenic spots and the destructive sand dune that swallows up buildings.

Turkey

CNN Silk Road takes you to Turkey #CNNTravel

Our journey continues to Turkey, an ancient Eurasian land that served as a bridge for Silk Road merchants crossing into Europe. Today, exports play a vital role in Turkey's economy -- we visit a leader in the country's automobile industry that produces a car every 55 seconds. A smaller firm is reviving Turkey's trade links with China through an increasingly popular product -- natural olive oil soap. Finally we peek into the glamorous world of Istanbul's soap opera houses, creating lavish dramas that fetch lucrative deals abroad.

Italy

CNN Silk Road takes you to Italy #CNNTravel

Our Silk Road adventure concludes in Italy, a lush and diverse peninsula whose maritime position made it a wealthy gateway for trade between East and West. We explore Venice, the historic port of merchants and explorers that is now harnessing modern technology to hold back the waters. We journey north to Lake Como to discover the region's enduring silk industry, prolific in the 19th century and still favored by top fashion houses today. Envious of our cross-continental journey? Live it vicariously through a list of the Silk Road's most inspiring Instagram accounts -- perhaps you'll book an adventure of your own.